Cam Newton Takes Over As The New Favorite To Win The NFL Comeback Player of the Year
No Tom Brady, no problem! Okay, before we go too far with those kinds of comments, for at least one week quarterback Cam Newton has eased the pain of New England losing their longtime signal-caller this past offseason. Newton impressed Patriots fans plenty in leading them to a victory but will need further results to sway most analysts. That said, he’s now the favorite to win another yet award for his trophy case.
Cam Newton is now NFL Comeback Favorite
The NFL returned with Week 1 games last week and brought the first look at a number of players in new places. The most unique sights included Tom Brady on Tampa Bay and Cam Newton making plays for the Patriots. Of the two players, Brady was on the losing side in his debut, while Cam shined in his first-ever game, against the Miami Dolphins.
Cam didn’t light it up in terms of a lot of passing yards, but instead showed his versatility. He finished 15-for-19 with 155 yards passing, 75 yards rushing, and two touchdowns to lead his team to a 1-0 start.
Still, it was enough for oddsmakers to boost Cam Newton for the future favorites list to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Newton is now the overall favorite at FanDuel, with +210 odds. Just behind him is another returning star quarterback.
Ben Roethlisberger holds +260 odds to win in the award after leading his Steelers to a 26-16 win over the New York Giants. Big Ben ended up with 229 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-32 completions in the Monday Night win.
The next two choices are also signal-callers. The Washington Football Team’s Alex Smith holds +550 odds, followed by Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford at +700. In regards to the two QBs, Smith isn’t healthy enough to play yet, while Stafford was on the losing end against Chicago in Week 1.
The top five is rounded out by Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green at and Texans DE J.J. Watt, who each hold +850 odds.
Other names appearing on the list include un-retired tight end Rob Gronkowski, formerly suspended defensive standout Myles Garrett, and Andy Dalton, who is now a QB option in Dallas behind Dak Prescott.
Cam holds experience, but what about upcoming games?
There were mixed feelings amongst many people when Cam Newton was announced as going to New England. So far, he may have made a few doubters believe in him a bit more. That said, it was a win over the Miami Dolphins, a team that was fun to watch last year but not expected to make the postseason.
Coming up is a huge Week 2 matchup with Cam and the Patriots facing Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. That will be under the spotlight at 8:20 p.m. Eastern Time for Sunday Night Football. Seattle is currently a four-point favorite, but if Cam finds a way to shine in this one, it could really boost those Comeback award odds.
The Pats may get a reprieve with a Week 3 game against the Raiders, but could have a tougher Week 4 contest scheduled against the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Plenty of people will be focused on Cam’s performances against this season’s measuring stick teams of the league, though. In addition to the Chiefs, they include the Ravens, Bills, 49ers, and Rams, among others.
Ben Roethlisberger and Matthew Stafford are obviously no slouches either. Many bettors may believe more in the Steelers or Lions’ quarterbacks to performer better than Newton this season.
Still, Cam is a former league MVP and once led his former Panthers team to the Super Bowl, among other accolades. With his combination of speed and playmaking, he may have what it takes to excel under coaching mastermind Bill Belichick.
Will Cam walk away with NFL Comeback Player of the Year, or will another player swoop in to take the honor?
